The ACT Government will construct an off-road bicycle and pedestrian path alongside the Majura Parkway in Canberra's north.

Canberra cycling body Pedal Power has been lobbying the Government to include an off-road track as part of the 12 kilometre duel carriageway project, which will link the Monaro and Federal highways.

The Government will now spend $500,000 on design work and an environmental impact assessment of the off-road facility.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says that will help determine the final cost of the project.

"The path is proposed to be 3.5 metres wide and will connect with paths from the Morshead Drive/Pialligo Avenue intersection as well as Horse Park Drive and the Federal Highway," she said.

Ms Gallagher says the Government recognises the need for a safe off-road path to complement on-road cycle lanes.

"The proposed off-road shared path will provide another means for cyclists to get to and from work," she said.

"It will also help recreational walkers and cyclist, as well as tourists, to access the various businesses along the route, the Majura pine plantation and other Majura Valley tourist facilities which are particularly popular on weekends," she said.

The pathway is expected to be completed in time for the opening of the Parkway in 2016.

Not sure if this is an "off-road" path as in for MTBers or a sealed path that is seperate from the road.

They have some valid points. I don't see many commuters using this path, both ends of it coming out the wrong side of anywhere except the airport. Why aren't they putting a path like this in on Cotter road, where many more people are likely to need it.

Apparently they are starting to log lower Majura in the next week or so. Shame. As a mountain biker in my non roadie times, it seems a shame to lose the best bits of Majura. Shame they couldn't have diverted it more uphill... Either way, it seems I have had my last ride at Majura.

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